Information on Gold Panning in Georgia

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The California Gold Rush may be more famous, but the first gold rush in the U.S. actually started in the north Georgia mountains in 1929. There's still a little gold to be found in the rivers of the Peach State. Whether you're a curious historian or an adventurer hoping for a lucky strike, Georgia's gold country can be a fun place to explore.

History

The first report of discovered gold in Lumpkin County -- appearing in a Milledgeville newspaper in 1829 -- sent thousands of hopeful miners scrambling to North Georgia, where they encroached on land that technically belonged to the Cherokee tribe of Native Americans. Gold towns sprung up overnight, including Dahlonega, which was originally named Licklog. The first miners were placer miners -- panning gold from the streams, creeks and rivers -- but their success eventually led to hard-rock mining. Discoveries of gold began to wane by the 1840s, and in 1861, the Dahlonega mint shut down, having processed more than $6 million worth of local gold.

Location

North Georgia, particularly Lumpkin County, proved the richest spot for gold miners during the Georgia gold rush and still has traces of gold and gems in its rivers and creeks today. McDuffie County, near the South Carolina border, had its own small gold rush in the early 1920s. Isolated gold panning spots are elsewhere around the state, including several near the Georgia-Alabama border and a few in the vicinity of Newnan.

Where to Pan

Head for Dahlonega if you want to try your luck for panning for gold. You may explore streams and creeks on your own with your own equipment, or head for a spot such as Crisson Gold Mine (crissongoldmine.com), established in 1847, where you can buy a 5-gallon bucket of ore to mine, or Consolidated Gold Mine (consolidatedgoldmine.com), where you may tour the tunnels of an underground gold mine in addition to panning for gold.

While You're There

When you're done panning for gold, celebrate or nurse your wounds by heading into the Dahlonega historic district. Grab a bite at one of the downtown eateries; Corkscrew Cafe (thecorkscrewcafe.com) or the Crimson Moon Cafe (thecrimsonmoon.com) are good options. If you didn't strike gold, stop by the Dahlonega Gold Museum to pick up a souvenir gold nugget or a gold piece minted by the Dahlonega mint.

About the Author

Holly Roberts is an award-winning health and fitness writer whose work has appeared in health, lifestyle and fitness magazines. Roberts has also worked as an editor for health association publications and medical journals. She has been a professional writer for more than 10 years and holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in literature.